The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) has been exposed for paying artists R11 in royalties while directors receive R125,000 per meeting. While the musicians and composers who create the works Samro protects are receiving royalty payments as low as R11, the organisation’s directors are reportedly pocketing up to R125,000 for a single board meeting.
Documents from a recent meeting reveal that independent board members are paid staggering sums for their attendance. Chairperson Nicholas Maweni leads the pack, earning a substantial R125,000 (approximately US$6,800) per sitting. His deputy, Sisa Mayekiso, earns approximately R100,000 (US$5,450), while fellow board members Sibongile Vilakazi and Veronica Motloutsi each receive approximately R87,000 (US$4,740). With the board convening four times a year, Maweni’s annual earnings from these meetings alone amount to approximately R516,000 (US$28,100).
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For the artists Samro is meant to serve, the reality is starkly different. Eugene Mthethwa, a member of legendary kwaito group Trompies and a sitting MP, shared his dismay after receiving a pittance for his work being played across major digital platforms.
“This clearly sends a message that there is no value in being a member,” Mthethwa stated. “All we are doing is creating a pool of funds to cushion the lives of the CEO and board members. Please provide the logic behind this: Maweni earns R516,000 per year for four board meetings, which is 469,091% of the amount earned by members who receive R11 in royalties. What value do we derive from this supposed skill or talent that earns us R11?”
He vehemently disputed the notion that such high fees were justified, arguing,
“Give us a business case that proves the board is a rare talent we must retain at all costs. The expensive board members cannot be afforded and therefore must be excused.”
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The controversy has amplified long-standing complaints from the creative community about transparency and fairness. Arts activist Owen Ndlovu confirmed that minuscule payments are the norm, attributing this to a flawed tracking and distribution system.
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“These figures don’t surprise us. Some artists earn even less than R11 and often have no idea which platform played their music,” Ndlovu explained. “Samro lacks a proper tracking system. It doesn’t verify which radio stations aired the songs or for how long and basically just hands out whatever amount they decide you’re worth.”
Mthethwa went further, linking the current leadership to a broader culture of failure.
“No wonder she is suspended, and only the useless, corrupt ones are left behind to further loot,” he said, suggesting that those challenging the status quo are sidelined.
The organisation, which distributes millions of Rands in royalties annually, faces renewed questions over whether its current structure serves its members or its management. Samro was approached for a comment, but did not respond by the time of publication.
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The post SAMRO Exposed For Paying Artists Paid R11 Royalties While Directors Get R125k Per Meeting appeared first on iHarare News.
